WB Govt seeks Coal Min approval for coal mining to devp linkage

Kolkata, Nov 28 (UNI) The West Bengal government has sought the Coal Ministry's approval for coal mining blocks in Bardhaman, Bankura and Birbhum districts of the state to develop coal linkages for industries setting up base here.

The government had applied for 15 coal mining blocks of which 3 had been approved by the Coal Ministry, state's principal secretary of commerce and industry department Sabyasachi Sen told reporters today.

Mr Sen was speaking on the sidelines of a Bengal Chamber of Commerce sponsored seminar on "Steel in Auto Components and Construction" here.

Mr Sen said the mines would be explored with joint venture partnership under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model. The West Bengal Mining Development Corporation (WBMDC) would hold the majority stake in the projects.

He said of the three approved blocks, the government has already found a partner for the Trans-Damodar block. The process of obtaining clearance of Director of Mining Safety and Environment Ministry and land acquisition was on, Mr Sen added.

The other two blocks were Icchapur-Kulti block and Coalfield block. The move would stop illegal mining and develop coal linkage with the industries in the state, the secretary hoped.

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